Synthesis of 1,3- and 1,2-diphosphatidylglycerol.

A novel phosphonium salt methodology was utilized for the first time to synthesize 1,3-, and 1,2-diphosphatidylglycerol. Optically active 1,2-di-O-acyl-sn-glyceryl phosphate was coupled with unprotected glycerol in the presence of pyridiniumbromide perbromide and triethylamine to yield, after final removal of phosphate protecting group, the title compounds. The 1,2-diphosphatidylglycerol (1,2-isomer of cardiolipin) may be a member of a new class of phospholipids for industrial applications similar to other phosphocholines.